The Role of Renewable Energy in Improving Resilience to Natural Disasters (Case of the Implementation of Solar Energy Systems in Disaster-Prone Areas in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara Province)

¹ Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
² Universitas Negeri Medan, Deli Serdang, Indonesia
³ Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This study examines solar power systems in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara, a region prone to earthquakes, strong winds, and droughts. Decentralized renewable energy solutions like solar power improve community resilience and disaster preparedness as traditional energy infrastructure becomes increasingly unreliable during disasters. This study examines how solar PV systems can boost energy resilience and disaster management. We collected qualitative secondary data from articles analyzed with NVivo 12 Plus software, focusing on citizens' perceptions of solar energy systems and their potential benefits in disaster-prone areas. The findings demonstrate the importance of solar energy, particularly solar power plants (PLTS), in emergency energy reliability and sustainability. In emergencies, PLTS systems, which operate off the grid, keep healthcare and communication networks running. However, high initial costs, limited technical expertise, logistical constraints, and financial barriers prevent widespread solar technology adoption. To overcome these challenges and improve solar energy infrastructure, governments, the private sector, and international organizations must work together. Solar energy could improve disaster resilience in Kupang but requires significant investment and policy reforms, according to the study.